Hinduism: Festivals, Rituals and Symbols

The festive colors, sounds, devotions, discourses and feasting of Hindu festivals punctuate the routine of life and engage the spiritual aspirant with God. This lessens one's karmic burdens and inspires one towards purity and enlightenment. The various devotional rituals such as arti, darshan, nama japa, etc., orient the senses and mind towards devotion to God, evoking divine feelings, noble thoughts and inner peace. Similarly, sacred symbols and objects like Aum, swastika, deep, conch, etc., elevate the spiritual consciousness of the devotee and protect him from negative influences and actions. Hinduism: Festivals, Rituals and Symbols provides a brief introduction to these important and vibrant facets of Hinduism.